The Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial at Illini State Park in Marseilles honors soldiers from around the state who have died in war since 2001. The current site includes hundreds of oak trees and a large flag pole.
Organizer Steve Massey says a new fundraising campaign would pay for a sloped concrete mounting to hold memorial bricks with the names, hometown, and branch of service for each fallen soldier.
“I’ve personally known some of the fathers and mothers of the soldiers who have died," Massey said. "It affects their life every day. I’ve watched them when they come out to the site, and I just want to make it so that it’s more of a personalized capability for them to actually see the name."
Glen-Gery Brick in Marseilles already donated more than 260 inscribed bricks. Massey says it will take another $8,000 to finish the design. He says he hopes to complete the project by Veterans Day in November.
Donations can be made to:
Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial
Ottawa Savings Bank, 925 LaSalle St., Ottawa, Ill. 61350
